FIVE CRORE TOURISTS EVERY YEAR IN RAM MANDIR AYODHYA

 The opening of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is expected to have a significant economic impact, leading to the creation of a substantial number of jobs in the temple town and surrounding areas. Estimates by the human capital management platform Betterplace suggest that the temple's opening could generate 150,000-200,000 direct and indirect jobs within the next 4-5 years. Additionally, the region is expected to experience increased construction activity, including expansion by hotel chains, apartment units, healthcare facilities, and other infrastructure developments, potentially creating an additional 50,000-100,000 temporary jobs.

 

Various sectors are anticipated to drive the demand for manpower in Ayodhya. Industries such as hotels, hospitality, tourism, food and beverages, daily essentials, personal care products, healthcare, banking, and construction are expected to benefit from the rise in religious tourism. Consumer goods companies and food service chains are already strengthening their presence in the area, viewing Ayodhya as a branding and marketing hotspot.

 

The estimated job creation figures are based on an annual footfall projection of 50 million people in the coming years. Immediate job opportunities are expected to range from 10,000-30,000, with an anticipated daily influx of 100,000-200,000 tourists in the near future.

 

In response to the growing demand, consumer goods brands are expanding their offerings in Ayodhya, resulting in new jobs related to sales, supply chain and logistics, warehousing, and packaging. The hospitality, travel, and tourism sector is also expected to see significant job growth, with an estimated 20,000-25,000 permanent and temporary positions being created annually. Roles in high demand include hotel staff, housekeeping, front-desk management, chefs, and multilingual tour guides.

 

The banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector is also expected to play a significant role in job creation. As the region develops, BFSI institutions are likely to establish branches and ATMs to cater to the increasing demand for financial services.

 

Corporates are recognizing the potential of Ayodhya as a marketing destination and are preparing to meet the expected surge in demand. Sectors such as FMCG, hospitality, restaurants, and real estate are expected to experience significant growth in business.

 

Reports indicate that the Ram Temple's opening could attract over 50 million tourists annually, further contributing to the economic development of Ayodhya.

#Religious tourism plays a significant role in the economies of Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya in India.

 

Religious tourism plays a significant role in the economies of Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya in India. 

Varanasi:

Varanasi is considered a sacred city in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It is believed to be a place of spiritual awakening and liberation.

The city is known for its numerous temples, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a major pilgrimage site.

The Ghats of Varanasi, such as Dashashwamedh Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat, are important places for religious rituals and cremations. These ghats attract a large number of devotees and tourists who come to witness the Ganga Aarti (a daily ritual of worship on the banks of river Ganges).

The tourism industry in Varanasi has expanded to accommodate the needs of visitors. There are a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels, as well as numerous restaurants serving both local and international cuisine.

The city's rich cultural heritage and traditional arts and crafts, such as silk weaving and woodwork, also contribute to the local economy and provide employment opportunities for artisans and craftsmen.

Prayagraj:

Prayagraj is primarily known for its religious significance related to the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, known as the Triveni Sangam.

The city is host to the Kumbh Mela, a major religious festival that takes place every 12 years and attracts millions of pilgrims. The Ardh Kumbh Mela, held every six years, also draws a significant number of visitors.

During the Kumbh Mela, temporary infrastructure is set up to accommodate the immense influx of devotees, including tent cities, bathing areas, and facilities for religious ceremonies. This creates employment opportunities for a wide range of workers, including construction labor, event management staff, security personnel, and service providers.

The tourism industry in Prayagraj offers services such as accommodation, transportation, and food and beverage establishments to cater to the needs of pilgrims and tourists throughout the year.

Ayodhya:

Ayodhya is known as the birthplace of Lord Rama and holds immense religious significance for Hindus. The city has been a center of religious and cultural importance for centuries.

The construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has garnered international attention. The temple is expected to attract a significant number of devotees and tourists, leading to increased religious tourism in the city.

The development of Ayodhya as a religious tourism destination is expected to create employment opportunities in various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, retail, and handicrafts.

Additionally, the government has undertaken initiatives to improve infrastructure in Ayodhya, including the construction of roads, hotels, and other facilities, which can further boost tourism and generate jobs.

Religious tourism in these cities not only creates direct employment opportunities but also has a ripple effect on the local economy. It stimulates the growth of ancillary industries and supports livelihoods in sectors such as agriculture, handicrafts, and transportation. The presence of pilgrims and tourists also generates income for local vendors, guides, and small businesses, contributing to the overall economic development of the region.

Religious tourism in Varanasi, Prayagraj (formerly known as Allahabad), and Ayodhya attracts a significant number of visitors due to their cultural and religious significance. These cities are important pilgrimage sites for Hindus, and they witness a large influx of tourists during religious festivals and auspicious occasions.

Religious tourism can have a positive impact on the local economy by generating employment opportunities in various sectors. It can create jobs in the hospitality industry, including hotels, restaurants, and transportation services. Additionally, there may be opportunities in the retail sector, handicrafts, souvenir shops, and other businesses catering to the needs of tourists.

#अयोध्येतील राम मंदिर,प्रयाजराज मुळे होणार युवकांकरता प्रचंड रोजगार निर...

Holy triangle  of Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya gets 15 crore tourists in 2023, In 2024 Ram Mandir in Ayodhya will get record number of visitors.

North India’s golden triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur now has a holy rival in the east. While Prayagraj and Varanasi were already drawing crores of pilgrims every year, newly spruced-up Ayodhya has joined their league. Last year, the three UP cities together had close to 15 crore visitors – almost half of the state’s 32-crore tourist traffic. If the opening of Kashi-Vishwanath Corridor made Varanasi a magnet, Ram Mandir is expected to do the same for Ayodhya. The town’s tourist footfall has already shot up from nearly 3.5 lakh in 2019 to over 2 crore in both 2022 and 2023. “Interest in Ayodhya has gone up exponentially. “All properties and allied services like taxis are sold out from January 15 to 25. The demand is high after the (temple consecration) event as well. And over 80% of tourists are pilgrims.” 

While Prayagraj is a steady draw, averaging around 4 crore arrivals in most years, Varanasi has jumped to the top with 8.4 crore visitors last year, as against over 60 lakh in 2017. Temple visits boost businesses involved in transportation, food and lodging, sacred offerings, sightseeing, entertainment and shopping. “The economic potential of each of these activities gives good return on investment.Job creation from tourism in the holy triangle will slow down migration to Delhi-NCR and Mumbai. The increasing popularity of these temple towns could also boost tourism in nearby places. For instance, Chhapaiya, barely 60km from Ayodhya, is the birthplace of Akshardham sect founder Swaminarayan. Similarly, Gorakhpur, Sravasti and Kushinagar are all about 2.5 hours from Ayodhya.

 All three centres now have air connectivity, and Lucknow isn’t far away, so the entire central-east UP region has become accessible to high-spending tourists, which has got the hotel industry interested. Tourism to the Ayodhya-Varanasi-Prayagraj triangle could drive UP’s trillion-dollar-economy dream. “It is for this that tourism and culture have been placed in the list of top 10 focus sectors. “The goal is to increase tourist inflow in UP by about 1.4 times in the next five years, and the per-tourist spend by about three times.” Strictly speaking, “tourist” is a visitor who spends at least one night at a destination, and to spur the tourism economy the state government wants more than day visitors. But to get more tourists you need “engaging options like a museum, or a boat ride, or soundand-light show.

 But the sudden popularity of these places has created a demand-supply mismatch, pricing out many potential tourists. For example, some hotels in Varanasi charge Rs 1 lakh or more for a night on special occasions like Dev Deepavali. This is “stealing the simplicity for which Varanasi was known. 50 starred hotel projects, including from groups like Taj, Marriott, Oberoi, Leela and Lalit, have got their projects approved for the three holy cities.

Holy triangle of Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya gets 15 crore tourists in 2023, In 2024 Ram Mandir in Ayodhya will get record number of visitors.

 North India’s golden triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur now has a holy rival in the east. While Prayagraj and Varanasi were already drawing crores of pilgrims every year, newly spruced-up Ayodhya has joined their league. Last year, the three UP cities together had close to 15 crore visitors – almost half of the state’s 32-crore tourist traffic. If the opening of Kashi-Vishwanath Corridor made Varanasi a magnet, Ram Mandir is expected to do the same for Ayodhya. The town’s tourist footfall has already shot up from nearly 3.5 lakh in 2019 to over 2 crore in both 2022 and 2023. “Interest in Ayodhya has gone up exponentially. “All properties and allied services like taxis are sold out from January 15 to 25. The demand is high after the (temple consecration) event as well. And over 80% of tourists are pilgrims.”

While Prayagraj is a steady draw, averaging around 4 crore arrivals in most years, Varanasi has jumped to the top with 8.4 crore visitors last year, as against over 60 lakh in 2017. Temple visits boost businesses involved in transportation, food and lodging, sacred offerings, sightseeing, entertainment and shopping. “The economic potential of each of these activities gives good return on investment.Job creation from tourism in the holy triangle will slow down migration to Delhi-NCR and Mumbai. The increasing popularity of these temple towns could also boost tourism in nearby places. For instance, Chhapaiya, barely 60km from Ayodhya, is the birthplace of Akshardham sect founder Swaminarayan. Similarly, Gorakhpur, Sravasti and Kushinagar are all about 2.5 hours from Ayodhya.

 All three centres now have air connectivity, and Lucknow isn’t far away, so the entire central-east UP region has become accessible to high-spending tourists, which has got the hotel industry interested. Tourism to the Ayodhya-Varanasi-Prayagraj triangle could drive UP’s trillion-dollar-economy dream. “It is for this that tourism and culture have been placed in the list of top 10 focus sectors. “The goal is to increase tourist inflow in UP by about 1.4 times in the next five years, and the per-tourist spend by about three times.” Strictly speaking, “tourist” is a visitor who spends at least one night at a destination, and to spur the tourism economy the state government wants more than day visitors. But to get more tourists you need “engaging options like a museum, or a boat ride, or soundand-light show.

 But the sudden popularity of these places has created a demand-supply mismatch, pricing out many potential tourists. For example, some hotels in Varanasi charge Rs 1 lakh or more for a night on special occasions like Dev Deepavali. This is “stealing the simplicity for which Varanasi was known. 50 starred hotel projects, including from groups like Taj, Marriott, Oberoi, Leela and Lalit, have got their projects approved for the three holy cities.

अयोध्येतील राम मंदिर भारतातले आणि जगातले सर्वात मोठे अध्यात्मक सेंटर आणि पर्यटन स्थळ बनणार भाग१

https://youtube.com/shorts/Sot6Zzxl2fA?si=Gp_NFLw4Z6xesJPe 

Ayodhya Ram Temple opening to make UP &India richer by Rs 4 lakh crore:

The massive influx of visitors to Ayodhya after consecration ceremony is likely to give an enormous boost to Uttar Pradesh’s economy, as per several national and international estimates. A recent paper by SBI Research has claimed that owing to the Ram temple and other tourism-centric initiatives, UP could see tax collections of as much as Rs 5,000 crore in 2024-25. The report adds that Ayodhya will be the most important factor and with the anticipated growth in tourism, UP could become richer by about Rs 4 lakh crore this year. Foreign stock market research firm Jefferies has said Ayodhya will surpass Vatican City and Mecca in terms of the number of visitors. The report says that Ayodhya is expected to attract around 5 crore devotees annually, making it a major tourism destination not only within UP but also in India. With this, Ayodhya will also see a growth in its annual revenue. Tirupati Balaji in Andhra Pradesh attracts 2.5 crore devotees every year and generates an annual revenue of Rs 1,200 crore, whereas Vaishno Devi receives 80 lakh visitors annually and gets an annual revenue of Rs 500 crore. The Taj Mahal in Agra attracts 70 lakh visitors Day

annually generating a revenue of Rs 100 crore while Agra Fort sees 30 lakh visitors contributing to an annual revenue of Rs 27.5 crore. Internationally, considering the two major religious sites, Mecca attracts 2 crore people annually, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s revenue of $12 billion whereas the Vatican City, with 90 lakh visitors annually, generates a revenue of USD 315 million. Quoting another estimate, a government official said over one lakh devotees are expected to visit Ayodhya every day, which could soon go up to 3 lakh a day. If each devotee spends approximately Rs 2,500 during their visit, the local economy of Ayodhya alone would add up to Rs 25,000 crore, he said. “Devotees travelling to Ayodhya are likely to visit other religious sites such as Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi and Banke Bihari Temple in Mathura. This would also positively impact the local economies of Varanasi and Mathura. In this way, UP’s economy could receive an additional dose of nearly Rs 1 lakh crore each year, eventually contributing to India’s economic development,”

अयोध्येतील राम मंदिर भारतातले आणि जगातले सर्वात मोठे अध्यात्मक सेंटर आणि पर्यटन स्थळ बनणार भाग१

https://youtube.com/shorts/kLZ_U2KC2V8?si=RyeU3OKwwrlBpZxy 

Pran Pratishtha at Ram temple: How the world is celebrating the historic day

As India prepares to celebrate the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22, devotees across the world are planning their own events to mark the historic occasion. Besides live streaming the ceremony at hundreds of locations across dozens of countries, many Hindu communities have planned car rallies and other pujas.

Mauritius Around 48% of the population in Mauritius is Hindu. The Mauratian government has given a two-hour special break to Hindu officials on January 22. High Commissioner of Mauritius to India Haymandoyal Dillum told ANI Mauritians are gearing up to illuminate all the temples of the island nation with 'diyas' (earthen lamps). Verses from the Ramayan will echo through temple corridors with 'Ramayan Path'. "In all the temples, one 'diya' will be lit, and 'Ramayan Path' will be recited during that day," said Dillum. Ghoorbin Bhojraj, president of Mauritius Sanatan Dharma Temples Federation, said a cultural programme would precede the Ayodhya Ram Mandir's inauguration and prime minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth would be the chief guest.

United States

On the day of consecration, the event will be broadcast live in the United States at approximately 300 locations, including the iconic Times Square in New York. The US chapter of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), has erected over 40 billboards in 10 states, including Texas, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Georgia. Week-long celebrations are underway in temples ahead of the consecration event and several large-scale auto rallies have been held in dozens of US cities.

United Kingdom

The Hindu community in the UK has organised several car rallies in the run up to the consecration ceremony. The rally started from The City Pavillion on Collier Road in West London and travelled through East London before returning to the starting point. Besides planned celebrations in all temples, over 100 locations have been prepared for livestreaming the event.

France In France, preparations are underway for a Grand Rath Yatra. The yatra is scheduled to commence from Place De La Chapelle at 12pm, culminating at the iconic Eiffel Tower's Over 150 cars parked strategically in 'Ram' formation hold dazzling light show in Maryland, , Place De Trocadero, by 3pm. Before the yatra, prayers and 'Vishwa Kalyan Yagna' will be performed at a Ganesha temple in La Chapelle. The ceremony will include an elaborate puja, aarti, prasad distribution, and a cultural show. The yatra will traverse significant landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Musée de Louver and Place De La Republique.

Australia

Several car rallies have been taken out by the Hindu community in major cities in Australia in the run up to the Pran Pratishtha event in Ayodhya. Celebrations have also been planned at all temples in Australia and the even will be livestreamed at several dozen locations.

Canada The Hindu community in Canada has organised locations across the country for the live streaming of the consecration event. Meanwhile, the towns of Oakville and Brampton in Canada's Ontario declared January 22 as 'Ayodhya Ram Mandir Day'. Brampton mayor Patrick Brown and his Oakville counterpart Rob Burton said the consecration "holds immense Europe to Canada, Hindu bodies plan religious festivities to mark the Pran Prathishtha ceremony cultural, religious, and historical significance for Hindus worldwide, signifying the culmination of a centuries-old dream". India gets ready for big day On January 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will preside over the consecration ceremony of the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya. The event's preparations are nearly complete with only final touches left, said officials. The Vedic rituals, which began on January 16, will be completed by Monday and the Pran Pratishtha ceremony will be performed by Varanasi priest Lakshmi Kant Dixit on January 22

"Rama's Enduring Legacy: The Timeless Impact of Ramayana on Humanity"

In the exploration of Lord Rama's enduring legacy, the Ramayana emerges as a monumental story poem, transcending cultural boundaries and resonating across generations. Lord Rama's life, encapsulated in over 24,000 verses divided into seven chapters, imparts lessons crucial for contemporary society, addressing truths, devotion to duty, and the essence of sacrifice in a world marked by animosity and violence.

 

Crafted by Maharshi Valmiki, the Ramayana, a cornerstone of Indian epics, captivates generations with the tale of Prince Ramchandra. This classic narrative not only unifies diverse states, regions, languages, and social classes but also stands as a mirror reflecting Indian cultural ethos and a way of life. The story, retold through oral traditions and literary adaptations, seamlessly weaves into the cultural fabric, offering a timeless reflection of societal values.

 

The allure of Rama's character lies in his portrayal as the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, born to eliminate evil on Earth. Forced into a 14-year exile due to familial intrigues, Rama, accompanied by his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, exemplifies unwavering commitment to duty and virtuous living. The ideal couple in Hindu mythology, Rama and Sita navigate poverty, hardship, and moral dilemmas during their exile, embodying values such as honesty, integrity, and adherence to dharma.

 

Rama's influence as a moral compass and societal role model is evident in his dedication to his father, unwavering commitment to dharma, and the embodiment of virtues like love, compassion, obedience, humility, and selflessness. The Ramayana, chosen over the Mahabharata in many Indian households, serves as a guide for instilling integrity and righteousness, especially among children, fostering a collective aspiration for virtuous living.

 

The pan-Indian narrative of Ramayana expands through vernacular retellings, such as Adhyatma Ramayanam, Ram Charit Manas, and Ramayanam, enriching the epic's cultural depth. Beyond India's borders, countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Cambodia, Burma, Nepal, Philippines, and Malaysia embrace and reinterpret the Ramayana, infusing local characters and diverse cultural perspectives into the timeless tale.

 

Culturally, Rama's name holds significant importance, with 'Ram Ram' serving as a common greeting in North India. Even in death, the chant 'Ram Naam Satya Hai' accompanies the departed, emphasizing Rama's status as the 'Maryada Purushottam'—the epitome of virtue and morality.

 

Swami Vivekananda's description of Rama as the embodiment of truth, morality, the ideal son, husband, and king highlights the enduring relevance of Rama's principles, emphasizing justice tempered with compassion, rulership focused on subjects' welfare, and accountability to citizens—attributes that define the concept of 'Ram Rajya' or the ideal state.

 

In a world marked by increasing isolation despite advanced communication, the aspirational and inspiring tale of Rama resonates profoundly. Facing adversity with patience, humility, and compassion, Rama's triumph over evil serves as a guiding light for individuals aspiring to lead virtuous lives with purpose. As the world evolves, embracing not just the name but also the values of Rama becomes a compelling call to keep this timeless narrative relevant in modern society.

 

"Ramayana Diplomacy: Elevating India's Soft Power on the Global Stage"

In contemporary times, there has been a noticeable shift towards emphasizing cultural diplomacy as an integral part of foreign policy. India's classical identity as a "golden bird," a nation rich in spiritual consciousness, knowledge, and a hub of spices, gold, diamonds, and adventurous traders, has solidified its place in the global narrative. The extensive cultural wealth and the global resonance of India's spiritual wisdom and iconic figures play a pivotal role in the country's pursuit of soft power and diplomacy.

 

Over the past decade, the Indian government has actively advocated for the global recognition of soft power. The significance of Lord Rama in India's international relations has gained prominence, with the timeless epic, Ramayana, serving as a potent tool of soft power for centuries. According to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rama symbolizes modernity and open-mindedness, representing unity in diversity for all of humankind. Recently, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Brazilian President Bolsonaro invoked Ramayana in addressing global challenges, showcasing the enduring influence of this epic.

 

The Indian government's efforts to rejuvenate the Ramayana include media initiatives and diplomatic strategies. The re-broadcast of the 1987 television series 'Ramayan' during the COVID-19 lockdown set a world record for the most-viewed program. Projects such as the 'Encyclopedia of Ramayana' aim to document and preserve tangible and intangible legacies globally. Additionally, the 'Ramayana Circuit' theme under the Swadesh Darshan scheme and the recognition of 15 destinations in India demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the Ramayana spirit.

 

The narrative of Ramayana extends beyond India, particularly in Southeast Asian countries, providing an opportunity to strengthen soft power relations. The Ramayana has become a compelling representation of the cultural connection between South East Asia and India. Initiatives like the Ramayana Festival, organized by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, align with the India-ASEAN summit, promoting diplomatic ties through this soft power instrument. The proposal to establish a 'Group of Ramayana' countries for a soft-power diplomacy drive, with experts from various nations, reflects India's dedication to fostering international connections.

 

With nearly 300 versions of Ramayana across India and other Asian countries, the oldest version by Valmiki in the 5th century BC remains central. The diverse interpretations of Ramayana, such as 'Phra Lak Phra Ram' in Laos and 'Ramakien' in Thailand, underscore its historical significance and adaptability to local traditions. Thailand, in particular, considers 'Ramakien' as its national epic, showcasing the enduring impact of Ramayana on cultural compositions and customs

अयोध्या विमानतळाला महर्षी वाल्मिकींचे नाव

 शनिवारी ३० डिसेंबर रोजी पंतप्रधान नरेंद्र मोदी यांनी अयोध्या येथे नव्याने बांधलेल्या महर्षी वाल्मिकी विमानतळाचे उद्घाटन केले. या विमानतळाला भारतीय संस्कृतीतील महान ऋषी वाल्मिकी यांचे नाव देण्यात आले. हे नामकरण आणि उद्घाटन आयोध्येतील भव्य राम मंदिराच्या प्राणप्रतिष्ठा सोहळ्याच्या पार्श्वभूमीवर महत्त्वाचे मानले जात आहे. त्याच निमित्ताने वाल्मिकी ऋषींविषयी जाणून घेणे संयुक्तिक ठरावे.

वाल्मिकी ऋषींना आदी कवी किंवा पहिले कवी म्हणून संबोधले जाते. संस्कृत साहित्य परंपरेतील पहिले महाकाव्य मानले जाणारे रामायण रचण्याचे श्रेय त्यांच्याकडे जाते. रामायणाचे वर्णन नेहमीच ‘पहिली साहित्यिक रचना’ असे केले जाते.

 रामायणातील बाल आणि उत्तरकांडातील वाल्मिकी

‘वाल्मिकी रामायण’ हे सात कांडांमध्ये विभागलेले आहे. प्रत्येक भाग भगवान रामाच्या आयुष्यातील महत्त्वाच्या प्रसंगावर प्रकाशझोत टाकतो. बालकांड हा प्रारंभिक भाग तर उत्तरकांड हा शेवटचा भाग आहे. बालकांडाची सुरुवात ही वाल्मिकी ऋषी आणि नारद मुनींच्या संवादाने होते. या जगात कोणी नीतिमान मनुष्य शिल्लक आहे का? असा प्रश्न वाल्मिकी ऋषी नारद मुनींना विचारतात. तेव्हा नारद उत्तरादाखल राम हे नाव घेतात. त्यानंतर वाल्मिकी आपले कथन सुरू करतात. तर उत्तरकांडात प्रभू रामांनी सीतेचा त्याग केल्यानंतरच्या प्रसंगाचे वर्णन येते. सीतेला वाल्मिकींच्या आश्रमात आश्रय लाभतो आणि तिथे ती जुळ्या मुलांना जन्म देते. हीच दोन जुळी मुले म्हणजे लव आणि कुश वाल्मिकींचे शिष्य होतात. बालकांडात वाल्मिकी आपल्या शिष्यांना रामाची कथा कथन करतात. 

महत्त्वाचे म्हणजे ही बालकांड व उत्तरकांड नंतरच्या काळात समाविष्ट केली गेली असावी. या दोन्ही कांडांची भाषा, रचना पाहता ज्या काळात विष्णू या देवतेचे प्राबल्य वाढले त्यानंतर ही कांडे मूळ रामायणात समाविष्ट केली गेली असावीत, असे उत्तरा: द बुक ऑफ आन्सर्स (२०१७), अ ट्रान्सलेशन अॅण्ड कमेंटरी ऑन द लास्ट कान्टो या अर्शिया सत्तार लिखित पुस्तकात नमूद करण्यात आले आहे. याशिवाय असे अनेक संदर्भ ग्रंथ आहेत, ज्यात रामला ईश्वरी अवतार म्हणून नमूद करण्यात आले आहे. भगवान विष्णूंनी रावणाचा वध करण्यासाठी रामावतार घेतल्याच्या कथाही उपलब्ध आहेत. नंतरच्या काळात रामाच्या अवताराची कथा वैष्णव भक्तीची केंद्रबिंदू ठरली. याचीच परिणती रामायणाच्या वेगवेगळया भाषेतील आवृत्यांमध्ये झाली, असे सत्तार यांनी नमूद केले आहे. 

तुलसीदासांचे रामचरितमानस अधिक लोकप्रिय

भारत आणि भारतीय उपखंडात रामायणाच्या अनेक आवृत्त्या आहेत. त्यातील प्रत्येक आवृत्ती वैशिष्ट्यपूर्ण आहे. तरीही रामायणाचा मूळ कर्ता वाल्मिकी ऋषीच असल्याचे सर्वश्रुत आहे. रामायणाच्या आवृत्त्या अनेक असल्या तरी त्यात तुलसीदासांचे रामचरितमानस हे अधिक लोकप्रिय आहे. १६ व्या शतकातील भक्ती कवी, तुलसीदास यांची आवृत्ती शास्त्रोक्त संस्कृत ऐवजी स्थानिक अवधीमध्ये रचली गेली आहे. ही तुलसी रामायणाच्या सध्याच्या लोकप्रियतेची गुरुकिल्ली आहे. तर दुसऱ्या बाजूला वाल्मिकींचे रामायण साहित्यातील एक उत्कृष्ट कलाकृती असली तरी, बहुतेकांसाठी ते अगम्य आहे. ‘रामचरितमानस’ने रामाची कथा सर्वसामान्यांना उपलब्ध करून दिली. रामचरितमानस हे रामलीलेच्या परंपरेशी संबंधित आहे.

दरोडेखोर ते संत

वाल्मिकींच्या जातीवरील वादामागे एक मुख्य कथा आहे, वाल्मिकी हे ऋषी होण्यापूर्वी रत्नाकर म्हणून प्रसिद्ध होते. एक भयंकर डाकू आणि शिकारी म्हणून ओळखले जात होते. काही कथांच्या संदर्भानुसार वाल्मिकी हे लहान असताना वनात हरवले होते, त्यांचा जन्म हा ब्राह्मण आई- वडिलांच्या पोटी झाला होता. ते वनात हरवल्यानंतर एका शिकारी जोडप्याने त्यांना दत्तक घेतले. तर याच कथेच्या दुसऱ्या आवृत्तीनुसार वाल्मिकी यांचा जन्म भिल्ल राजाच्या पोटी झाला होता. त्या कथेनुसार वाल्मिकी गावकरी आणि प्रवाशांना लुटून उदरनिर्वाह करत असत. एक दिवस वाल्मिकी यांची नारद मुनींशी गाठ पडली आणि त्याचे आयुष्य बदलले. इतरांप्रमाणे, नारद रत्नाकरला घाबरले नाहीत, इतकेच नाही तर त्यांनी त्याच्याशी हळूवारपणे, प्रेमाने संवाद साधला, त्याला जाणीव करून दिली की, आपण जे करत आहोत ते चुकीचे आहे आणि त्याने आपला मार्ग सुधारणे आवश्यक आहे. रत्नाकरने नारद मुनींना त्याला क्षमा करण्याची आणि त्याच्या दुष्कृत्यांचे प्रायश्चित करण्यास मदत करण्याची प्रार्थना केली. नारदांनी रत्नाकरला एक साधा मंत्र दिला तो मंत्र म्हणजे प्रभू रामाचे नाव होते.अशा प्रकारे रत्नाकरचे परिवर्तन सुरू झाले. तो रामाच्या नामात ध्यानमग्न झाला. आणि कालांतराने वाल्याचा वाल्मिकी अर्थात रत्नाकरचा ‘महर्षी वाल्मिकी’ झाले